Theme: “BE STRONG, FEAR NOT”
Text: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” – 1 Peter 5:8, 9.
Comment: It is when we who have known the truth are strong in the faith that we can overcome the wiles and tribulations brought by Satan the devil and be able to live up to the standard required of us by Christ. (1 Peter 5:8, 9) Scripture says: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” (Ephesians 5:11,12) Like the three faithful Jews, we must muster the courage by God’s grace to stand up for what is right even at the expense of material benefits. See Daniel chapter 3. It is for lack of faith that people who are strong in the Lord today in the world are few. Truly Solomon said “a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6; See also Luke 18:8) And St. Paul exhorted: “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled…” – Hebrews 12:12-15.